The South Carolina Department of Education has announced a new pilot program to reduce dropout rates through earlier intervention. The department said Monday that 12 elementary and middle schools are taking part in the program called Early Connections.

Thursday was The Great American Smokeout, an annual focus to get smokers to quit, at least for 24 hours. As that was happening, a recent report ranks South Carolina worst in the nation at spending tobacco settlement money on smoking prevention and cessation programs. The Campaign for Smoke-Free Kids report says South Carolina will generate $114 million from the tobacco settlement and cigarette taxes this year, but will spend just $1 million of federal money, and no state money, on prevention programs. WJBF News Channel 6’s Capitol reporter, Robert Kitle, has the story.

Thursday was The Great American Smokeout, an annual focus to get smokers to quit, at least for 24 hours. As that was happening, a recent report ranks South Carolina worst in the nation at spending tobacco settlement money on smoking prevention and cessation programs. The Campaign for Smoke-Free Kids report says South Carolina will generate $114 million from the tobacco settlement and cigarette taxes this year, but will spend just $1 million of federal money, and no state money, on prevention programs. WJBF News Channel 6’s Capitol reporter, Robert Kitle, has the story.

Ten years after the tobacco settlement, a national report ranks South Carolina as worst in the nation in what it spends to keep people from smoking. A coalition of public health groups released the report of states’ tobacco prevention funding Tuesday.

Ten years after the tobacco settlement, a national report ranks South Carolina as worst in the nation in what it spends to keep people from smoking. A coalition of public health groups released the report of states’ tobacco prevention funding Tuesday.

The American Lung Association estimates most children will catch six to eight colds a year, while adults will suffer through two to four. In a WJBF News Channel 6 Medical Report, Judy Fortin has some prevention tips and advice for getting better.

The American Lung Association estimates most children will catch six to eight colds a year, while adults will suffer through two to four. In a WJBF News Channel 6 Medical Report, Judy Fortin has some prevention tips and advice for getting better.

The state agency that oversees Medicaid in South Carolina says it’s eliminating a program aimed at preventing teen pregnancy. State Department of Health and Human Services spokesman Jeff Stensland said Friday the program will end by January. The Post and Courier in Charleston reports the move comes in response to the three percent budget cuts each agency was ordered to make.